For generations artisans have been working with beautiful Tasmanian timbers.

And so tradition continues with Big Chop. Each board has been designed and crafted in Tasmania by the hand of a skilled tradesman using traditional artisan techniques. Timbers have been carefully selected to make each board unique. Aesthetically beautiful, they’re durable, kind to knives, and are a feature in kitchens all over the world.

Big Chop Story

A story of fate

In September 2000 as a keen home cook I was watching a young Jamie Oliver on his cooking show The Naked Chef. Much of his preparation took place on a beautiful large thick round timber board. I liked the look of this board so much that I decided to buy one the next day. After an extensive search of Melbourne’s finest kitchenware stores I was disappointed that none had anything remotely similar. At this stage I was resigned to the fact that it was not possible to purchase a board like Jamie’s in Australia.

Later that year I went home to have Christmas with my family in Launceston Tasmania. I also took the opportunity to visit The Taste of Tasmania food event in Hobart early in the new year. Just before I left Hobart to drive back to Launceston I was due to meet a friend for coffee in Salamanca Place. Now this is where things get interesting! My friend rang to say he was going to be about half an hour late, so I replied “no problem I will wander around the shops in the area”. Looking in a craft shop I noticed a stunning small timber board made from several iconic Tasmanian hardwood timbers. I went inside asked who made the board and being a friendly Tasmanian girl she answered, “These boards are handmade by Craig in Launceston would you like his phone number”!!

The Big Chop. How we make our boards.

Arriving back in Launceston I rang Craig and made an appointment to meet with him at his workshop which turned out to be his garage under his house. Coincidently I had The Naked Chef cookbook with photos of the board I wanted to buy. I said to Craig” could you make a board like this pointing excitedly at the book”, he replied “yes”, I then said “how about a rectangle one say 50 x 34 x 7cm?” Once again his reply was “yes” but this time he asked “why”? I replied that I want one, and if I want one other people may want one. This of course was 2001 early days of the “Foodie” phenomenon that still shows no sign of slowing down. With a promise of providing me with a couple of samples in a few weeks I returned to my home in Melbourne.

Early February two boards arrived at my place and they looked better than I imagined. I immediately started using the large round and found it fulfilled all my needs. I then thought maybe I should sell a few but had no idea where to start. In the meantime, a girl I had met at a party had moved across the road and being neighbourly she had asked me over to her place for dinner. When I arrived, I said. “What have you been up to today Libby?” and she replied “I have been trying to by a decent size timber chopping board, and you know I can’t find one in Melbourne!” As someone who had been very successful in homeware I thought her opinion on my boards and my plans to sell them was invaluable so I asked her over. When she saw the boards, she was almost as excited as I was and she said over the next month or so she would help me when her time allowed to launch my product. On her visits, we discussed a name, which we decided on The Big Chop, labels, presentation, stores to approach etc. etc.

What happened next was amazing, Jamie Oliver was coming out to be the celebrity chef at the inaugural Good Food Show in June at The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and he chose to use The Big Chop timber boards for his cooking shows, 9 months after he had influenced my decision to search for his large round timber board.

Thankfully quality kitchenware and homeware stores also loved my boards and still stock The Big Chop 16 years later. Oh, and Libby, she got a Big Chop board and the man, and we were married a year later! And as for fate, if my friend had not been late for coffee in Salamanca Place………………

For generations artisans have been working with beautiful Tasmanian timbers. And so tradition continues with Big Chop. Each board has been designed and crafted in Tasmania by the hand of a skilled tradesman using traditional artisan techniques.

My great grandfather, Henry Chesterman, was a pioneering timber merchant in the 1800s and this new range represents the fine craftsmanship of those early artisans working with beautiful Tasmanian timbers. Crafted from Blackwood with Celery Top Pine stripes, this range is designed to present your culinary creations.

About Big Chop

For generations artisans have been working with beautiful Tasmanian timbers. And so tradition continues with Big Chop. Each board has been designed and crafted in Tasmania by the hand of a skilled tradesman using traditional artisan techniques. Timbers have been carefully selected to make each board unique. Aesthetically beautiful, they're durable, kind to knives, and are a feature in kitchens all over the world.

Our Collections

Customer Feedback

"I bought this beautiful chopping board and several other cooking items for a wedding gift for friends.They love it and I know I bought a gift they will have for the rest of their lives."

Cathy, 09/03/13
On The Big Chop Round Board 33cm x 4cm

"Huge Chopping Block. Fantastic to use, and looks great."

Evan, 08/01/14
On The Big Chop Rectangle Chopping Board 50x33x7cm

"What a chunk of wood! I was given this board as a present, how lucky am I! It looks great, sounds great and is very well made. Buy a small piece of non slip fabric to go underneath as they do like to slide around a bit and can do decent damage to your benchtops."

Harley, 28/04/13
On The Big Chop Rectangle Chopping Board 50x33x7cm

"Fantastic board in every way! A reoccurring wedding present, and is a sure winner every time. Finally bought one for ourselves as well!"

Hamish, 08/01/13
On The Big Chop Rectangle Chopping Board 50x33x7cm

"I have found the Chopping Block very good for either chopping or slicing as it is not only easy to clean but does not slip. I have also used it to put hot dishes from the oven. After all the use I have put it through it still looks like new and it looks really good on the work bench."

Barbara, 01/12/13
On The Big Chop Rectangle Chopping Board 50x33x7cm

"Along with my Boos 61 cm I give this board a lot of use. Not only looks good but is functional and a good trick is because it is 33cm wide you can place a small liner bag over the left or right end, depending on you being left or right handed, and sweep any offcuts straight into the bag off the board, really quickens things up when prepping, good for compost too. I really like using this board. Just make sure you dress it with Boos Mystery oil every fortnight to keep it fresh."

Michael, 22/02/13

"We are just back from Sydney and have received our new board. Many thanks I really love it and will make sure to pass on positive feedback on your excellent product and service."

Jean

"David… they are Magnificent!!
How can I thank you for your valuable time and patience. A good friend of mine loved his gift . I gave to him the BIGGEST board. It’s perfect!
I love my Round chopping board and the two Rectangle boards are beautiful also. They will be gifts but closer to Christmas.
Many, many Thanks David for Everything. I will treasure my board and the enormous effort you made for me and will I never forget it XX"

Kylie

"Hi David! It's bindi again, I got my chopping boards on Monday. I love them thank you ever so much! I have a wedding to go to this year so you will be hearing from me again soon! These are great presents! Thanks again & happy new year."

Bindi

"I've had my Big Chop board for YEEEARS and it looks as good today as it did the day I bought it, and it gets used many many times a day. The occasional oil and it's as good as new. I LOVE it!!"